Paul McGinley: King's Course at Gleneagles will deliver 'true test' in Senior Open

Memories of the Bell’s Scottish Open during its spell at Gleneagles are set to be rekindled this summer as the King’s Course steps out from the shadows of its neighbour after both a Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup on the PGA Centenary Course in the past eight years.

Nearly 30 years have passed since the last of eight successive Bell’s Scottish Opens at the Perthshire venue, where Ian Woosnam was a double champion and fields included Seve Ballesteros, Sandy Lyle, Colin Montgomerie, Nick Faldo, Payne Stewart, Fred Couples and Vijay Singh.

The James Braid-designed course isn’t long enough these days for a DP World Tour event, but it’s a perfect fit for the Senior Open Presented by Rolex, which is being held at Gleneagles for the first time on 21-24 July.

“Despite my memories of the PGA Centenary Course,” said Paul McGinley, who led Europe to a convincing 16.5-11.5 victory in the 2014 Ryder Cup, “the King’s is a true golf course. It has a bit of everything to make it a real test. There’s no right or wrong way to attack it, but you can’t hold back or it will eat you up.”

Changes have been made specifically with this event in mind. A new tee at the seventh hole, named Kittle Kink, has not only increased the length from 444 yards to 468 yards but also changed the angle for the drive by creating a more severe dog-leg.

Situated in an existing copse of trees, another new tee has lengthened the 12th, called Tappit Hen, by 33 yards, requiring a hefty hit is now required to carry the bunkers guarding the saddle that runs across the fairway.

For many, the 14th is the favourite on the course and, having been extended by 32 yards to 341 yards, the exciting risk-and-reward element at Dent Den has been retained.

Though not brand new, a back tee